Ultrarunner Vivian Camille learned the hard way how essential the right trail running gear can be. Before her first off-road race, she bought a small, handheld water bottle at the start line, thinking it would be enough to keep her hydrated between aid stations. “We were in the desert of Texas—I was running so fast, they hadn’t set one of the stations up yet,” Camille, now a coach who specializes in trail running, tells SELF. “I got burned pretty good by not having enough gear.”
Like many trail newbies, she quickly found out that taking your run off-road requires planning ahead. “You’re going to be in more remote places, so you’ve got to rely on yourself a lot more,” she says. Weather conditions can also change rapidly when you’re moving through the mountains or a desert. Plus, you’ll likely be out on the trails for a while, since you often have to navigate around tricky terrain. “I also think the ethos of being a trail runner is doing long, big things. And to support that, you just need more gear,” champion trail runner and coach Megan Roche, MD, PhD, tells SELF.
To find the best trail running gear, we asked top coaches for their go-to recommendations and put several pieces to the test ourselves. Suiting up with these smart picks will help you take on even the gnarliest, most technical single-track like a pro.
Our top picks
- Best Trail Running Shoes: Hoka Tecton X 3
- Best Hydration Pack: Salomon Adv Skin 5
- Best GPS Watch: Garmin Fenix 7S Pro Solar Edition
- Best Trail Jacket: Janji Zephyrunner Wind Shell
- Best Runner-Up: Norrona Alpha90 Zip Hooded Jacket
- Best Headlamp: BioLite HeadLamp 750
- Best Accessory: Buff Reflective Multifunctional Neckwear
- Best Hat: Ciele TRKCap Trail – Mountain Cut – Mynyd
- Best Running Belt: Naked Running Band
- Best Socks: Injinji Trail Midweight Crew Socks
- Best Shorts: Patagonia Strider Pro
What to look for when shopping for trail running gear
Painful blisters, unexpected rainstorms, or gear that’s drenched in sweat can all put a damper on your run. “If athletes are spending a lot of time in various types of terrain and weather conditions, how comfortable they are makes a really, really big difference,” Dr. Roche says. Here are a few other tips to keep in mind as you shop.
Make sure your stuff will hold up to the elements and obstacles you might encounter on the trail—particularly when it comes to your shoes. Branches can stick out and rip the upper; sharp rocks can dig into the soles. “Really look at what those shoes are made of,” ultrarunning coach Amie Dworecki tells SELF. Rather than a soft mesh upper, go for something made with sturdier fabric, like ripstop, that won’t tear easily. A rock plate and rigid toe guards can also help protect the shoe (and your feet).
Certain fabrics can keep you safer—and a lot comfier—outdoors. Just like with road running, it’s best to avoid cotton, which absorbs water. Instead, look for clothing made from sweat-wicking polyester and merino wool, which can keep you warm in cold climates (even if you get wet). “A lot of gear has nylon woven in because it can be a really strong fabric,” Dworecki adds. Along the same lines, some runners prefer shoes made with waterproof Gore-Tex for snowy conditions, although it can make your kicks heavier.
When you’re heading somewhere remote, you’ll need to carry more on you to stay safe. For instance, you’ll want some kind of light, like a handheld flashlight or headlamp, if there’s any chance you’ll be out after dark. “An emergency whistle can be good too,” Dworecki says; it adds barely any weight, but can help alert anyone nearby if you need help. (Many hydration vests come with one.) An ultralight, trail-specific first-aid kit is also smart to bring along.
Shop the best trail running gear
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned ultramarathoner, investing in good trail running gear can majorly upgrade your run. Here are our top picks, with input from coaches who’ve run through all kinds of terrain and conditions.
Best Trail Running Shoes: Hoka Tecton X 3
Pros
- Parallel carbon plates feel bouncy, but stable
- Built-in ankle gaiter keeps rocks and dirt out
- Grippy traction
Cons
- Not as cushioned as other Hoka shoes
A Hoka shoe engineer shocked the trail world earlier this year when he won the prestigious Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc race wearing a custom version of the brand’s Tecton shoes. “A lot of athletes are using those to go faster on the trails,” Dr. Roche says. Aside from two parallel carbon plates that offer a bouncy, but stable ride (even when stepping on rocks), one of the best features about this trail running shoe is the built-in ankle gaiter, “which helps prevent rocks, sand, and elements getting into athletes’ feet,” Dr. Roche says.
When our tester wore these in the mountains, she loved how the grippy tread easily handled everything from loose dirt to wet rocks. And even though these aren’t stacked with as much foam as Hoka is famous for, they kept her feet feeling cradled and comfy as the mileage crept into the double digits.
Best Hydration Pack: Salomon Adv Skin 5 Set Hydration Vest
Pros
- Designed to fit women’s bodies
- 12 pockets
- Doesn’t bounce
Cons
- Some reviewers report that the material around the neck can chafe
A hydration pack can make or break your trail run. If it doesn’t have enough storage, or the fit is uncomfortable, your day can quickly go downhill (and not in a good way). Out of the many packs Dr. Roche has worn, she loves Salomon’s Adv Skin 5 the most. Designed with smaller frames in mind, the triangular water flasks sit below (rather than awkwardly on top of) your chest, with straws for easy drinking access. And as compact as it is, this pack comes with a whopping 12 pockets to store all of your water, fuel, extra layers, and anything else you might need on the road.
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